From National Palace to Netflix: The incredible tour of Merlín the duck in Mexico

A viral video featuring Merlín, a Pekin duck sporting a Mexico jersey and tiny sandals, has propelled the waterfowl and its owners on an extensive tour of Mexico City's most prominent sites. The duck's unique attire and apparent affection for its family captured public attention, leading to its appearances at various high-profile venues.

Merlín's itinerary included a visit to the National Palace, where it attended a morning press conference in the Treasury Hall, drawing attention from officials and attendees. The Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) processed the official registration of Merlín's name for the Gómez family, securing exclusive commercial rights to its image.

The duck also toured the corporate offices of Netflix Mexico, generating digital interactions with employees. International media outlets ESPN and TV Deportes incorporated Merlín into their programming and special coverage related to the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, the bird visited Club Atlante FC, a Mexico City sports institution, which welcomed it as a promotional mascot.

Further solidifying its celebrity status, Merlín and its family received official access to a FIFA box to watch the Mexican national team's match against the Czech Republic. This whirlwind tour underscores the significant public fascination with the duck, turning a viral video into a cross-platform media event.